Top 10 Mini Cruise Destinations From The UK
Mini cruises also make for a great way to try a new line as if you are not having a good time or simply find it to be not to your liking, its not long before you will be back home.
Another fantastic thing about mini cruises is that they are often offered by cruise lines who have a gap in their itineraries and who offer a short break rather than pay to keep docked in port.
That means, mini cruises are often much cheaper on a per day basis than a 7-14 night cruise, making them a perfect 2nd holiday.
Whilst there is no 100% definition of what a mini cruise is, for the purposes of this list, we have included destinations that can be visited from the UK on a round trip in 5 days or less.
Our Top 10 Mini Cruise Destinations From The UK
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The thriving Dutch capital city of Amsterdam is one of the world’s leading tourist destination and makes for a great day on shore no matter what time of the year you visit.
Known as ‘Venice of the North’ due to the numerous canals found throughout the city, Amsterdam offers a wide range of attractions and one of the best arrivals of any of the ports on this list as you dock in the city centre via the Grand Canal.
There are a number of lines that offers Mini Cruises to Amsterdam with some itineraries even offering overnight stays to really make the most of the city.
2. Zeebrugge (For Bruges, Belgium)
Zeebrugge (For Bruges, Belgium)
The port of Zeebrugge maybe more famous as a ferry port but it is just short 10 minute bus journey from the beautiful city of Bruges that it also makes for a popular Mini Cruise destination.
The Belgium city is known for its cobbled streets, historic buildings, canals, windmills, and chocolate shops and whilst it is hugely popular around Valentine’s Day and in the run up to Christmas, it makes for a top all year around port of call from the UK.
Hamburg (Germany)
The German city of Hamburg has lots to offer visitors but for many it is during the Christmas period when it comes to life thanks to offering some of the biggest and best Christmas Markets in Germany.
With lots of great shopping, popular museums and a traditional yet modern experience awaiting all visitors, Hamburg makes for a great getaway all year around and many lines also offer overnight stays there.
St Peter Port (Guernsey)
If you would like to explore more the United Kingdom but still want to cruise and enjoy some sun, then St Peter Port is the destination for you.
Located on the Channel Island of Guernsey, the port offers the chance to explore the area’s history with its World War 2 tunnels amongst the most popular excursions.
Rotterdam (The Netherlands)
The port of Rotterdam is one of the biggest in the world which makes for an interest entrance as you sail past some of the world’s biggest container ships but thankfully what awaits you is just as impressive.
Rotterdam is a thriving city that is dominated by sky scrapers and the waterfront that is easily explored on a Rotterdam Mini Cruise as you dock right in the centre of town.
Rotterdam is another port of call that lines offer overnight stays in , allowing you take advantage of the easy to use metro system to explore all that is on offer.
Antwerp (Belgium)
The Belgium city of Antwerp is famed for its diamond shops and its wealth was built around that industry.
That has left the city with a number of beautiful historic building, a stunning Cathedral and numerous other sights of interest that attract visitors from across the globe.
Antwerp is the perfect size to simply walk around the city and take it all in making it an ideal option for a Mini Cruise.
Bergen (Norway)
Although the Norwegian port of Bergen is usually found on longer itineraries sailing around the Fjordland region of Norway, it is possible to visit there on shorter cruises.
Most Bergen Mini Cruises will be on smaller and older ships sailing out of the port of Newcastle but if you want a shorter trip to the beautiful region of west Norway, Bergen makes for a great day of exploring.
The sail into Bergen is also one to remember as you sail past bridges, islands, and mountains before arriving in the centre of town.
Cherbourg (France)
The military port of Cherbourg is located on France’s Normandy coastline that makes it a popular choice for those wanting to visit and pay their respects at the numerous landing sites, battle fields and memorial sites from the invasion of Normandy during World War 2.
Its naval history can be explored at the Cite de la Mer museum and there are a number impressive building well worth visiting in the city including its trains station but for many, it is simply strolling around the cities marina and sea front that makes for a great day ashore.
Dublin (Republic of Ireland)
The Irish capital has long been a popular short break for those from Britain thanks to its thriving shopping, bar, cafes and restaurant scene and there are numerous tourist attractions just waiting to be explored.
Located just across the Irish Sea, most visitors from these shores will head there on a plane or via a ferry but there is now a growing number of lines offering the chance to enjoy a Dublin Mini Cruise onboard some of the world best ships.
Le Havre (France)
The northern French city has lots to offer on its own but it is known in the cruising world as the gateway to the capital city of Paris.
Although some will stay on the Normandy coast and explore Le Havre, the majority of those visiting on a Le Havre Mini Cruise getaway will head to the French capital and its massive array of attractions.
